This is a series of caches to encourage folks to get to know trees and how to identify them. As geocachers, we interact with trees all the time, so why not learn more about them!
You will find this cache under a:
Northern Red Oak
Scientific name: Quercus rubra
Also Known As: Red oak, eastern red oak, mountain red oak, champion oak, gray oak
Oaks are a very common forest tree, and the northern red oak is one of the most common oaks, native to Michigan and most of the eastern United States. This tree is characterized by simple leaves with 7-11 pointed lobes and like all oaks, produces acorns (in late summer and fall). Presumably, red oaks get their name from the color of their fall foliage, which ranges from red to brown. Like most oaks, the northern red oak is deciduous, meaning it drops its leaves in the fall. Oak wood is very strong and hard and because of it's high tannin content, it is very resistant to insect and fungal attacks. It is widely used in for making furniture.
Additional information: Virginia Tech Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation
FUN FACT: Many people can identify an oak leaf, but do you know the difference between a red oak and a white oak? One of the easiest ways to tell is red oak leaves have pointy lobes and white oak leaves have rounded lobes. However, if you find an oak tree, don't jump to any conclusions; There are at least thirteen oak species native to Michigan, and dozens more non-native species that may be planted here as ornamentals.
Other trees in the immediate vicinity of this cache: black locust, black walnut, shagbark hickory, and black cherry
This cache is located at a private residence, but it is near the road and you can park in the circle driveway to access it. The owners are friendly and happy to host the cache on their property.